The new government in Spain is trying lots of things to fix the country's broken finances and weak economy. One measure to boost productivity is an overhaul of the innumerable holidays that Spanish workers enjoy.

German chancellor Angela Merkel is in Beijing for a two-day visit expected to focus on the eurzone crisis, Iran and Syria. Accompanied by a 20 strong trade delegation, she is scheduled to meet President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.

German lawmakers have voted to back the second EU/IMF bailout for Greece. Until now, most German politicians have been saying Greece must stay in the eurozone. However, some might now be changing their tune.